Best Walkie Talkies for Kids: Midland Product review

There’s just something about walkie talkies.

I remember getting my hands on them as a kid and thinking, “Woah, these are SO cool!”

Now, that was before iPhones, FaceTime, and Apple Watches — so maybe it hit differently? Nevertheless, I wanted my kids to experience the fun of walkie talkies and see how they’d respond.

Midland- T51VP3 X-TALKER Spotting and Recovery Walkie-Talkie Long Range - FRS Two Way Radio for kids Caravanning with NOAA Weather Scan + Alert, 38 Privacy Codes - Black/Orange - 2 Pack

As I expected, they LOVED them. These kid-friendly walkie talkies from Midland are easy to use and clear, and the rechargeable batteries make it a snap to charge.

My Quick Video Review

Here’s a quick video review of the Midland Walkie-Talkie Two-Way Radio for kids (model: T51VP3 X-TALKER).

Walkie Talkie Education (etiquette, call signs)

One of my favorite Dad hacks is incorporating learning into fun — without the kids recognizing it. Evidence shows learning through play is best.

Learning walkie-talkie call signs can be a fun and educational activity for kids, sparking their imagination while teaching communication and teamwork skills. It allows them to role-play as explorers, detectives, or adventurers, fostering creativity and critical thinking.

Introduce your kids to two-way radio etiquette, including the walkie-talkie 10 codes (e.g. 10-4) and below common call signs:

• Roger: Message received and understood
• Over: Your turn to respond
• Out: Conversation complete
• Copy That: Acknowledging the message
• Go Ahead: Ready for the message
• Stand By: Wait for a moment
• Affirmative: Yes
• Negative: No

Other fun kid products you may like

• Bow & Arrow Toy. Remember the original Nerf Bow ‘n’ Arrow from the 90s? This one is 10x better. Funwares makes the best kids’ bow & arrow toy — shoots whistling arrows 200+ feet.
• Bluetooth Headphones. I bought these iClever headphones for my kids a few years ago, the volume-limiting tech and battery life are top-notch.

Pros and Cons

I decided to buy the Midland- T51VP3 X-TALKER Spotting and Recovery Walkie-Talkie for a Summer beach trip with my family. Being a Dad that loves to foster play and fun, I was excited to test these walkie-talkies in and around the beach.

Throughout my testing, I focused on their range, clarity, and overall functionality. I’ve read various reviews, and it seemed like a mixed bag. Some users raved about the performance, while others had some complaints. In this review, I’ll share my personal insights on the Midland walkie-talkies, highlighting both their strengths and weaknesses.

Midland- T51VP3 X-TALKER Spotting and Recovery Walkie-Talkie Long Range - FRS Two Way Radio for kids Caravanning with NOAA Weather Scan + Alert, 38 Privacy Codes - Black/Orange - 2 Pack

What I Liked

• Great Range: I was pleasantly surprised by the range these walkie-talkies offered.
• Clear Communication: The audio quality was impressive. We could hear family well from a mile away while staying in a beach hotel.
• Compact Design: These walkie-talkies are lightweight and easy to carry. They fit comfortably in my pocket, and my kids had no problems holding onto them.
• Hands-Free Feature: The eVOX technology was a game-changer. I could chat without having to hold the device, which is super convenient during hikes or caravanning.
• No License Needed: I loved the fact that these radios are license-free. It made the whole experience hassle-free, especially for recreational use.

What Can Be Improved

• Belt clip: To remove the battery for re-charging (or adding in regular Alkaline/Lithium batteries), the belt clip needs to be removed first. Somewhat annoying, but not a deal breaker.
• Volume control: I wish there was a little marking on a button showing how to turn audio up/down.

Quick Verdict

The Midland- T51VP3 X-TALKER Walkie-Talkies are solid performers for outdoor communication. They have an impressive range and clear audio quality, which I greatly appreciated on my beach trip. However, the battery life could use some improvement, and the privacy codes might require a bit of a learning curve. Overall, they did enhance our outdoor experience and kept everyone connected. If you’re looking for reliable two-way radios for your adventures, I’d recommend checking them out.

Unboxing – What’s Inside?

I decided to purchase the Midland walkie-talkies on Amazon via Prime shipping and it arrived in 2 days.

Inside the box, I discovered two robust radios, each equipped with rechargeable battery packs. A desktop charger made it easy to keep everything powered up, while a Micro USB charging cable provided added convenience. I also found two sturdy belt clips, perfect for hands-free use, and an owner’s manual that detailed everything I needed to know.

Specifications

• Brand: Midland
• Model: T51VP3
• Manufacturer: Midland
• First Available: June 3, 2015
• Dimensions: 2.2 x 1.3 x 6.1 inches
• Weight: 0.45 kilograms (15.87 ounces)
• Battery Life: 10 hours
• Battery Requirement: 1 AAA battery (included)
• Waterproof Rating: IP44
• Connectivity Protocol: GMRS
• Special Features: Lightweight, NOAA Weather Scan + Alert, 38 Privacy Codes

Midland- T51VP3 X-TALKER Spotting and Recovery Walkie-Talkie Long Range - FRS Two Way Radio for kids Caravanning with NOAA Weather Scan + Alert, 38 Privacy Codes - Black/Orange - 2 Pack

Manual

For anyone interested, you can find the user guide here. I took a few minutes to review it before using and that was helpful.

Features – What I Found

Impressive Long-Range Communication

When I first got my hands on the Midland T51VP3 X-TALKER, I was thrilled by the convenience of its long-range capabilities. The walkie-talkies operate on 22 FRS channels, enabling seamless communication even over considerable distances. Clear and reliable communication gives me peace of mind, knowing that I can stay in touch with my loved ones no matter where we are.

What impressed me was the channel scan feature, which allows you to find the clearest channel quickly. It’s a game-changer when you’re in an area with lots of interference.

Pro-tip: Always check the battery level before heading out, as long-range communication can drain the battery faster.

Compact Design for Easy Portability

You’ll appreciate how lightweight and compact the Midland T51VP3 X-TALKER is. These walkie-talkies are designed for portability, making them easy to carry around during your adventures. You can effortlessly attach them to your belt or slip them into your pocket without feeling weighed down. This portable design is essential when you’re on the go, ensuring that communication is always within reach.

The compact build means that you can have these midland walkie talkies handy without them being an inconvenience, thus allowing you to focus more on enjoying your trip rather than worrying about your gear. They are also considered some of the best walkie talkies for kids, ensuring everyone in the family can communicate with ease.

Advanced Privacy Features

The Midland T51VP3 X-TALKER really takes communication privacy to the next level with its 38 CTCSS privacy codes. This feature ensures that your conversations remain private and secure, blocking interference from other users on the same channel. It’s fascinating how the Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System works; it gives you up to 836 channel options, allowing you to choose a code that suits your needs. This is particularly useful in crowded places where multiple groups might be using the same walkie-talkies.

By selecting a privacy code, your conversations are shielded from eavesdroppers, ensuring that your communication stays confidential. This security feature is ideal for family outings and adventures, where you might want to discuss plans without worrying about others overhearing your conversations. It creates a more enjoyable and secure experience while using them in public areas.

Hands-Free Operation for Ultimate Convenience

The hands-free functionality of the Midland T51VP3 X-TALKER is a standout feature that I absolutely love. With eVOX technology, I can communicate without having to press any buttons. This is especially beneficial when my hands are occupied. The walkie-talkies come with three sensitivity levels, which means they can pick up my voice easily even if I have a quiet tone. It’s like having a personal assistant that’s always ready to help.

This feature also promotes safety; I can keep my eyes on the road and still communicate effectively if I’m driving. Having the ability to send and receive messages hands-free lets me maintain focus on what’s important while still staying connected with my group. The convenience of this technology allows for a more relaxed and enjoyable outdoor experience.

Pro-tip: Make sure to adjust the sensitivity levels of the eVOX feature based on your environment to avoid accidental transmissions, especially in windy conditions!

NOAA Weather Alerts for Safety Awareness

If your family enjoys outdoor activities, these walkie-talkies are not only great for adults but are also among the best kids walkie talkies available, providing safety and fun.

The inclusion of NOAA Weather Scan and Alert is another remarkable feature that enhances the Midland T51VP3 X-TALKER’s functionality. This feature automatically scans 10 available weather channels and locks onto the strongest signal to keep you updated on severe weather conditions. The walkie-talkie doesn’t just scan for general updates; it also alerts you to specific risks in your area.

When the NOAA Weather Alert sounds, it indicates that there is a risk of severe weather, ensuring that you’re informed and can take necessary precautions. The safety aspect cannot be understated; this feature is essential for outdoor enthusiasts who want to keep their families safe amid changing weather conditions. Plus, it also broadcasts AMBER alerts, adding an extra layer of community safety awareness. It’s like having a reliable weather assistant by your side at all times!

My Review

I recently purchased the Midland- T51VP3 X-TALKER Walkie-Talkies for our family beach trip, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision.

Communication is crystal clear, which is essential when exploring remote areas or coordinating activities with my kids. The NOAA Weather Scan + Alert feature has also proven invaluable, giving us peace of mind by alerting us to any severe weather updates while we’re out in nature. Additionally, the Vibrate Alert on the device ensures we never miss an important alert, even in noisy environments.

The compact and portable design makes these walkie-talkies perfect for any adventure. I love how I can easily clip them to my belt or slip them into my pocket without feeling weighed down. They’re user-friendly, which is great since my children can operate them without much help. Moreover, the walkie-talkies are equipped with eVOX technology for hands-free operation, which is incredibly convenient when my hands are full.

The 38 privacy codes provide an added level of security, ensuring our conversations remain private even when we’re surrounded by other people.

While I’ve read mixed reviews about the battery life, my experience has been positive. The rechargeable batteries included with the walkie-talkies last long enough for an entire day’s worth of activities without needing a charge.

Midland- T51VP3 X-TALKER Spotting and Recovery Walkie-Talkie Long Range - FRS Two Way Radio for kids Caravanning with NOAA Weather Scan + Alert, 38 Privacy Codes - Black/Orange - 2 Pack

Dad’s Final Thoughts

Introducing old technology in a new technology world seems counterintuitive.

Walkie talkies are certainly old-tech, but there’s just something about them that kids love!